The Census is on track for 8 August with an artistic interpretation of Melbourne communities launched today in the lead up to the big event.

Children from Richmond West Primary School got the Census moving when they were joined by Western Bulldogs captain Luke Darcy to witness the launch of their artwork on Melbourne’s trams.

The students won the Census Tram Art competition in which inner Melbourne primary schools were invited to create a picture of their local community. The artwork will be displayed on Melbourne trams in the lead up to the Census on Tuesday 8 August.

For Census Director Andrew Henderson, having hundreds of primary school students around Melbourne thinking about their communities was a reward in itself.

“We often say that the Census creates a picture of Australian communities,” said Mr Henderson. “These kids have thought about that, and come up with some very creative responses.

“Schools, hospitals, businesses, recreation and community services - even Melbourne’s tram system itself – all rely on an accurate Census,” said Mr Henderson. “These are things that children see and use in their communities every day.

“The Richmond West kids have really made that connection between the Census and community services and amenities.”

Teacher Kim Lim said the children had put a lot of thought, creativity and effort into the work. “We had long discussions about what the Census meant to the Richmond West community and how we could translate that into an artwork.

“The students came up with different ideas and we took the best ones to make the picture,” said Ms Lim. “They really enjoyed painting and pasting it all together.”

25 banners have been created and will travel the streets of Melbourne until the 12th of August.

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